Modern Vespa

Hi. I would like to seek your suggestions for my first scooter. Which is more suitable for short rides around the city, errands, etc? Vespa GTV 300 or Piaggio MP3 500? Thank you.

Bestpa, the GTV 300 is probably the better choice than the 500 for around the City but many here would tell you that the LX 150 is probably the best choice if you are really just riding around the city as that seems to be the best choice for this sort of riding. If you are going to do any highway riding either of the 2 you mentioned would be very acceptable.

GTV. Manageable size (imagine moving it in and out of parking spaces as you jump on and off for your errands), maneuverability, plenty of power, hwy speed if you want to take a jaunt out of the city, and way less expensive. I have a friend who is an MP3 owner and enthusiast (I am sure he will be along any moment now) and am pretty sure even he would tell you to go with the Vespa.

I killed my 650 Savage, was getting harder to swing a leg over a saddle, so I got meself a Vespa. I TESTED a LX 150 by renting one at Eagle Riders -- even took it onto the Foothill Freeway for 23 miles doing 60-70 mph. It is acceptable on the freeway, even most don't think so. So I bought one for myself. In the city it is near perfect. I have a box for groceries: http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/002934.html

Yep... sums it up perfectly. The right tool for the job the OP specified.

Seconding (thirding?) Paladin and Silver Streak on this.

A LX150 (or LXS150) is terrific for surface-street riding. It'll keep up with nearly all traffic up to about 45 MPH, and with a bit of patience it'll get close to 60. It's marginal-but-acceptable on freeways -- there, it's a lot like riding a 50cc scooter in traffic, but at twice the speed and without the parked cars just to your right.

But, first bike? Start with a Taiwanese scooter (Kymco or Genuine) -- if you can find a used one in good running condition with a few scrapes, so much the better -- expect to drop it a few times at first. Better to do that on something that doesn't require a trip to the body shop to get the dings out. You'll probably be able to resell a beat-up used bike for about what you paid for it in the first place. Or, you could start with a cheap Chinese bike, but expect it to break down sooner rather than later, and be nearly worthless at resale. In either case, the idea is to get the falling-down part out of the way on something where it doesn't matter much. Then, get the bike you want.

Oh, and do take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. You'll be glad you did.

Thank you all for your very sensible replies Love the Vespa's fender mounted light but was really attracted to the MP3 because of its 2 front wheels

Again, this is assuming your main use is in the city, with short jaunts on the highway, though I regularly take longer rides at 65mph+ if the hwy is the best way to get there.

Hey, if the MP3 is more your thing, it'll be fine. Still a twist n' go, pretty much the biggest plus of owning a scooter in a city. You'd be able to toss the MP3 around well enough, so parking isn't much of a concern. Just pointed out that the GTV is a bit more snappy and fun. Nothing wrong with the MP3, though.

Really? You probably can't go wrong with either.

Thank you for explaining things to a newbie. I think I should stick with Vespa. Nothing wrong with the MP3, like you said but I think Vespa is iconic

Get a LX. They are the best IMHO. For what you want it for it's perfect. 8) Good luck on whatever you do.

There may be wisdom in this. My first was a 50cc Zuma, and I went down. I bought my Genuine Buddy and had a minor accident on it, and it was super cheap to fix. The vespa will not be so kind due to the steel body panels.

The buddy 125 and 150 are also extremely quick. I have a 150, and it is a bit faster the vespa lx150s around. They aren't nearly as stylish, but I love mine anyway.

if you considering a first scoot, any of those are good. used 150's aren't common, but can be found if you're vigilant.

I own both a GTV 300ie and LXV 150ie.

The LXV does well in the city, including most of the hills here in the Denver area. But I feel much safer with the GTV, since more power can get me out of difficult traffic conditions, such as when someone cuts me off and I must escape to another lane and accellerate, or when a sharp turn is more stable with a peppier pickup.

The larger GTV wheels make for a smoother ride, also.

Thank you for this insightful review. Its always great to hear a comparative review from someone who owned both scoots. I think I made a good choice